lithology

[ li-thol-uh-jee ]

noun

1. Geology.
   1. (loosely) petrology.
   2. the physical characteristics of a rock or stratigraphic unit.
2. Medicine/Medical. the study of the formation, pathology, and treatment of stones in the human body.

lithology

/ lɪˈθɒlədʒɪ; ˌlɪθəˈlɒdʒɪk /

noun

1. the physical characteristics of a rock, including colour, composition, and texture
2. the study of rocks

lithology

/ lĭ-thŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study and description of rocks, especially at the macroscopic level, in terms of their color, texture, and composition.
2. The gross physical character of a rock or rock formation.

Derived Forms

• ˌlithoˈlogically, adverb
• liˈthologist, noun
• lithologic, adjective

Other Words From

• lith·o·log·ic [lith-, uh, -, loj, -ik], litho·logi·cal adjective
• litho·logi·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lithology¹

First recorded in 1710–20; litho- + -logy

Example Sentences

We might say that a 'young lady, eminent for great skill in lithology, famed as the discoverer,' etc.

From Project Gutenberg

His observations on the lithology of the deposits accumulated beneath the sea were of special interest and importance.

From Project Gutenberg

The second year's work with lithology is carried on largely in the same way as with mineralogy.

From Project Gutenberg

It is nearly impossible to provide so abundantly, however, as for mineralogy and lithology.

From Project Gutenberg

Stone, as in lithology, the branch of medical science, relating to calculi or concretions.

From Project Gutenberg